The Responsibility Of The Baptized

In today’s First Reading (Rom 6:19-23), St. Paul reminds us that by virtue of our baptism we becomes “slaves of God”. While formerly we were “slaves of sin”, the Church teaches that all baptized Christians are “reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213)

Many Catholics don’t realize that they are called to share in the mission of the Church by following the commandments and even by…evangelization! While that word may strike fear into the hearts of most Catholics it really is our duty to spread the “Good News”. Does this mean that we have to stand on street corners and proclaim the gospel? While you could choose to use this method, it’s not the only way. We can evangelize in our homes by living good, holy lives and by teaching our children about the faith. In the workplace, we could offer to pray for coworkers and refrain from profane language. We could evangelize in public by making the sign of the cross and saying grace before we eat in a restaurant. There are many ways to spread the gospel in our daily lives, often without saying a word.

As “slaves of God”, this is what we are called to do. The benefit of eternal life comes with a price. We must die to our sinful ways and become new creations in Christ. Is it worth it? What’s in it for us? According to St. Paul…

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, ETERNAL LIFE.” (Rom 6:22)